STORY-LINE THE GRAND:
Set in the Grand Teton Mountains of Wyoming, author Dennis D. Wilson’s novel, The Grand is a masterpiece of mystery, thrills, and suspense. Widowed Chicago cop Dean Wister’s, in the Grand Teton Mountains to reminisce and visit the valley his deceased wife loved, finds himself in the middle of a battle ground. Murder, sex, power, and greed, are in play in quite Jackson Hole. With a visiting presidential candidate caught in flagrante, a hit man found dead, a murdered real estate agent, Russians mobsters around every corner, and a deceased wife who is very real and in the flesh to Dean, he has his hands full.
Ranging from Wyoming, Chicago, and the highest place of government, Washington, D.C., Dean’s investigation has huge ramifications for the lowly and high in the political and criminal arena. With unexpected twists and turns, Wilson’s mystery crime thriller, The Grand, is a first-class novel.
Grab a seat, get comfortable, my mystery crime thriller novel review of The Grand follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:
Firstly, I must say, The Grand is a fantastic novel which keeps the reader glued to the pages. I did not want to stop reading and read until I fell asleep. The action starts in the first chapter and never lets up. Filled with twists and turns, mystery, crime, mobsters, high-powered and influential people, this story races along at a smooth and steady pace. The plotting intertwines many plot threads; Wilson skillfully brought it all together with unexpected surprises, unexpected plot lines, unbelievable revelations, and an explosive ending which leaves the reader breathless. Wilson’s writing skill is evident as he wove the complex story-line threads together to form a cohesive satisfying novel.
Dean’s character, full-bodied and well-developed, is a testament to the fortitude of the human spirit. Wilson brought Dean from a man lost and without direction, to a man of acceptance. Grieving for his wife, I could feel Dean’s joy as Sara continued to come to him throughout the novel. Only someone who has experienced the death of a love one could have scripted the scenes so well. I felt tears swell, as he and Sara loved even after death. Even the title of the book has meaning to Dean and Sara. You will not guess why the book received the name The Grand.
Wilson’s development of the criminal element gave the reader a look into the ruthlessness of the Russian mob, and their very long extended arms. With fingers in many pies, even the halls of justice are not safe. Never afraid to kill or intimidate, Wilson portrayed the mobsters as ruthless and evil. Politics play a large part in this novel, as well as, human feelings and desires. Wilson did not shy away from the controversial issues he presented in The Grand, rather met the issues head on.
Finally, in concluding my mystery crime thriller novel review of The Grand, I found a novel filled with well-defined characters, plots well-woven together, and pacing which left me breathless. The author’s prose I found clear and easy to follow, as well as, an refreshingly original story-line. Although sexual matters are a large part of this story, Wilson did not give full erotic descriptions nor did he rely on fluff to increase the page count. His writing skill alone carried this story.
THE GRAND RECOMMENDATION: STARS 5
I have not given 5 stars in some time, however, I found I could do no less for The Grand. In addition, I highly recommend this book for the reader who enjoys a solid crime thriller. I would not hesitate to buy this book for a friend. Although containing sexual innuendo and scenes, I felt the scenes well-crafted without erotic detail. If intense sexual scenes, which do not contain erotica are not for you, needless to say, you might pass on this excellent book.
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
Additionally, I purchased this book from Amazon and reviewed under the blogger program for the Online Book Club. I chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest mystery crime thriller novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions.